An ambitious expansion programme will see the company launching up to 12 new stores throughout East Anglia and the south of the country, commencing with the opening, on March 4th, of a new ‘Fishing Tackle Megastore’ in Ipswich, Suffolk.

As a result, traditional independent shops are simply unable to compete. While our stores may carry in excess of 25,000 product lines, smaller retailers do not have the physical space to hold this kind of inventory.”

Nor it seems do they have the buying power to price-match their out-of-town rivals.

Steve continues, “Factor in escalating overheads and lack of parking and, sad though it is, it’s small wonder we’re seeing so many High Street failures.”

By contrast, Fishing Republic’s superstores - all of which are open seven days a week - have gone from strength to strength. And Steve is confident the new Ipswich store will be a big hit - both with local anglers and those travelling from further afield.

He says, “It’s quite common for our customers to drive an hour or more to visit our shops. And because we’re located on busy retail and business parks, they often make a day of it, dropping the family off in the nearby shopping precinct, whilst they indulge in a little retail therapy of their own.”

Steve continues, “Angling is especially popular throughout East Anglia, and in and around Ipswich in particular. Not only is the town situated on the coast, it’s also close to The Broads and numerous rivers, lakes and commercial fisheries.

Our new store reflects this diversity, providing a one-stop ‘destination’ shop for anglers from the main branches of the sport - carp and coarse, match and sea.”

As with previous launches, the formal opening of Fishing Republic Ipswich will be marked with a one-day only sale, featuring savings of up to 50% on leading brand tackle and accessories.